Zoeys and Venoms - how to maximise potential

[countkrojaer]

Hey guys

I have zoanthropes, used them for first time and they got messed up so obviously I didn't screen them properly. How would you most effectively use zoanthropes, both protecting them, getting them into range and should they be mid table or on a flank?

Similarly, I'm soon to have some venomthropes, how the heck do they work?!!!!

Thank you

Btw I play Jormungandr.

[Bohxim]

Psst first, if you bought the zoanthrope fresh, you can kitbash 3 extra venomthropes with the excess bite and some creativity. Then you can have 2 squads of venomthropes when you get the new ones!

I haven't had much losses to zoans... My big monsters and non protected tyrants always presented a bigger target priority.. And they probably wouldn't wanna waste high quality shots into them due to them being multi wound, multi model unit with 4++. I'd be happier if they targeted them more often instead of my tyrant

[bugsy]

Playing leviathan I don’t see opponent bother too much either. The high strength high damage shots they don’t want into transhuman zoeys with invo saves. Make sure to use their imperative turn 1 or 2 so you don’t miss out. Give them either psychic scream or neuroparasite so you can hide them and still kill from hiding.

[piersonsmuppet]

I use them as the front line to take objectives or block charge lanes, the amount of firepower it takes to remove them is usually not pts efficient and they aren’t doing much if they aren’t smiting. If they die before using the Imperative, there is a strat to use it for 1 CP so there is very little opportunity cost compared to just hiding them.

That said, don’t run them up to do nothing. If you can’t do anything impactful with them T1, use Encircle to get good positioning with them next turn. You do lose the ability to chose the imperative the next turn unless you run 2 units (part of the reason I like 2).

[zimko]

Venomthropes: Take them for the -1 to hit aura... keep them for the fight last and volume of attacks. I use venomthropes very offensively. They're often my first screen against chargers. Sometimes they're left alone because opponents think they're just a buff unit... but they have a surprisingly decent melee profile with 5 attacks each, 2+ to wound and AP 1. Keep these near your brawlers at the front.

[bugsy]

Another thing about venoms is that my opponents usually get so pissed of at the -1 aura that they spend a lot of shooting on a kind of cheap unit. It’s a win-win really, if they shoot them or not.

[countkrojaer]

Thank you all, that's great help. I have found someone on ebay too who 3d prints all the extra venoms bits you need to add to the bits left from making zoeys.

[hivefleetkerrigan]

Aug 12, 2022 21:39:43 GMT countkrojaer said:

Thank you all, that's great help. I have found someone on ebay too who 3d prints all the extra venoms bits you need to add to the bits left from making zoeys.

That's awesome! You really only need the tails. You can use greenstuff to make more toxin sacs if you don't have enough spore stacks.

[dkng]

One very important thing to remember for a new player is that both of those units have Fly. This is so useful for terrain skipping (and EtP but you'll use it very rarely). Just remember you can for example charge a Flyer with them if a need arises.
Venomthropes are scary in melee vs anything non-vehicle but have (please do not swear) ap. They'll mince anything without AoC or 3+ or 2+ easily. As usual Kraken helps with the issue a bit. They are also CORE so you can buff them if an opportunity presents itself. For most of the time try to keep them spaced out as much as possible to maximize the aura.

[countkrojaer]

Aug 13, 2022 9:30:55 GMT dkng said:

One very important thing to remember for a new player is that both of those units have Fly. This is so useful for terrain skipping (and EtP but you'll use it very rarely). Just remember you can for example charge a Flyer with them if a need arises.
Venomthropes are scary in melee vs anything non-vehicle but have (please do not swear) ap. They'll mince anything without AoC or 3+ or 2+ easily. As usual Kraken helps with the issue a bit. They are also CORE so you can buff them if an opportunity presents itself. For most of the time try to keep them spaced out as much as possible to maximize the aura.

Yes I had no idea they had fly until I read your post a few weeks ago. Sorry for the late response.
Do you feel that if I ever don't take a unit of Zoeys, that a Neurothrope by itself is still worthwhile? Specifically in Crusade where you can't use it for secondaries? It becomes just a buffing machine realy?

[Bohxim]

No crusade experience, but neuro is awesome even as a side hq for 1000-2000p games. Buffing itself to have 3d6 drop 1 for psychic and innate +1 to cast makes it insanely reliable. In some psychic heavy lists, I being 2 neuro and some other psyker unite, 1 of the neuro having the WL trait for giving 2 unite the 3d6 drop 1 psychic, so in total there'll be 3 units that cast super reliably. Makes malaceptor get its extra mortal wounds off easier. Or give zoans a much better chance to super smite for d6+3. I don't think I've ever run any list without a neuro to ensure onslaught, catalyst or hive nexus goes off

[piersonsmuppet]

Neuro can become pretty crazy in Crusade. With Resonance Barb, Balemind Membrane, Psychic Abberation, and Psychic Might you get a 4 cast psyker that knows 4 powers, has +2 to cast, 3d6 drop lowest tests, and can’t be denied on an 8+. Add Warp Crest and it becomes a mini Maleceptor. They are pretty easy to rank up with the scry battle plans agenda (always bring 2 psyker characters if taking).

[countkrojaer]

Great, thank you guys.

I am facing all manner of imperial forces in this crusade from guard to Imperial knights; as its Imperium vs forces of ruin.

My 1000pt Order.of Battle currently looks like this:

Walkrant +shardgullet
Neurothrope
----
3 x units warriors
20 hormagaunts
----
Tyrant Guard
----
Carnifex venom cannon and scything

Was going to run 4 x raveners instead of carnifex but decided to add a bit of muscle over speed.
Tyrant guard